Four weeks ahead of its official South African release on 16 September, Renault has released details and the base price for its Duster C-segment SUV.
The Duster, says Renault, is a big contributor to the expansion of the brand outside Europe, with strong sales in India, Russia and Brazil, its first markets globally.
The base model 1.6 Expression, which will sell for R194 900, comes with air conditioning, antilock braking with electronic brake-pressure distribution, power steering, six-function trip data computer, front and side airbags, power windows and mirrors, remote central locking, reverse parking sensors, front foglights, roof rails, body-coloured door handles and mirrors, 16" rims, a radio/CD/MP3 player with Bluetooth connectivity and fingertip audio controls.
TORQUEY DRIVETRAIN
It's been designed, says the maker, for people looking for good ground clearance, an elevated driving position for better visibility and good off-road handling, as well as a family-sized boot (475 litres, Cyril) and a straightforward, torquey drivetrain - in this case a naturally-aspirated 1.6-litre petrol four rated at 75kW and 145Nm.
The Duster line-up (we've been promised full details at the media launch in 10 September) will also include a turbodiesel engine and an all-wheel drive variant. As with all SA-market Renaults, the Duster will include a service plan and a five-year or 150 000km warranty.